Forward Fest 2025

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8:30am CDT

Wisconsin Founders and Funders Breakfast

Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT

Join other founders, investors, and innovators in the Wisconsin ecosystem for breakfast with Hyde Park Venture Partners, a Chicago-based early stage venture capital firm who invests in midwest-based companies, for a community event focused on helping companies raise their first or second round of institutional venture capital.

Hosted by Hyde Park Venture Partners

Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hollander Grand Cafe - Hilldale 701 Hilldale Way Madison, WI 53705

Free, In Person

Category Social Good, Tech / Software
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social

11:00am CDT

Entrepreneur Networking Event

Wednesday August 20, 2025 11:00am - 1:15pm CDT

Madison College - Truax Campus

Join us for an exciting event designed to connect and energize entrepreneurs at all stages of business! Hosted by the Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship, this networking event marks the kickoff of our yearlong focus on Finance for Entrepreneurs — and you're invited.

What to Expect:
- Open Networking with local entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Resource Tables from local partners and support organizations
- Interactive 20-Minute Roundtable Sessions on:
- Pricing & Profitability
- Budgeting & Cash Flow
- Funding & Financing
- Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs
- Light Food & Beverages Provided

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this event is a chance to connect, learn, and find resources that can support your financial growth and business goals.

Free to attend – registration encouraged.

Start your financial journey with us and build meaningful connections in the process!

Hosted by Center for Entrepreneurship at Madison College

Event Organizers

Kelsey Wenzel

Wednesday August 20, 2025 11:00am - 1:15pm CDT
Madison College - Truax Campus 1701 Wright Street Madison, WI 53704

Free, In Person

Host Organization Center for Entrepreneurship at Madison College
Category Social Good, General
Interaction Type Social

3:00pm CDT

Happy Hour! Startup Finance & HR: What Founders – and Investors – Care About

Wednesday August 20, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

The Cooper's Tavern (2nd floor)

Check out our Website

Enjoy free drinks and light hors d’oeuvres! This session is built for early-stage founders who want to set their startups up for long-term success. We’ll break down the essential accounting, tax, financial, and HR strategies you need to get right from the beginning—whether you’re gearing up for your first raise or just getting started. Learn how to build a back office that supports growth, avoids costly missteps, and earns investor confidence. Expect practical advice, real-world examples, and a chance to ask your burning questions.

Event Organizers

Marnie Farrell

Office/Tax Admin, Fine Point Consulting

Wednesday August 20, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Cooper's Tavern (2nd floor) *20 W. Mifflin St

Free, In Person

Category Food, Social Good
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social

4:00pm CDT

How Branding Matters

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

100 State

In today's dynamic marketplace, standing out is essential for success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or a creative professional, a branding can be powerful in your organization. Join us for an immersive and interactive workshop designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to build a strong and compelling brand identity.

Led by Ibrahim Harun of IH Concepts with 16 years of experience in branding and marketing, this workshop will delve deep into the core elements of effective branding. Through a combination of an insightful presentations and collaborative discussions, you'll learn how what goes into a brand so you can hit the ground running.

Whether you're looking to launch a new venture, bring more life into your business, or simply refine your marketing strategy, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to elevate your business and drive meaningful connections with your audience. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!

Event Organizers

Ibrahim Harun

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
100 State 17 S Fairchild St FL 7, Madison, WI 53703

Free, In Person

Category Social Good, General
Interaction Type Conference, Workshop

4:00pm CDT

EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

TBA

Join us for an engaging gathering of EdTech entrepreneurs, product leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates. The EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange is a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights on the future of education technology. Whether you're building tools for K-12, higher ed, workforce development, or lifelong learning, this event offers space to exchange ideas, find partners, and uncover new opportunities. The program includes open networking and small-group discussions focused on building solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and research-informed. Appetizers and drinks will be available.

Hosted by Flexion, Inc. & Filament Games

Event Organizers

Jennifer Javornik

Chief Partnerships Officer, Filament Games

Jennifer Javornik is an international speaker and thought leader on the topics of game-based learning and games for positive impact. As a video game executive specializing in partnerships, revenue growth, and entrepreneurship, Ms. Javornik is currently the Chief Partnerships Officer... Read More →

Jill Foley

Sponsors

Filament Game

Flexion, Inc.

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown

Free, In Person

Host Organization Flexion, Inc. & Filament Games
Category Social Good, Tech / Software, Games, General, Education
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social, Workshop

5:00pm CDT

Happy Hour with Venture Capitalists

Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Wisconsin State Capital Square

Check out our Website

Venture capital fund managers from seven Wisconsin venture capital funds will be at the August 20 Jazz at Five performance on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel. The Badger Fund of Funds is sponsoring the event and will provide free beer for attendees. Come enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin evening and engage in some hot conversation about the Money for Minnows investments strategy and the future of venture capital in Wisconsin.

Hosted by Badger Fund of Funds

Event Organizers

Larissa Yenkey

Analyst, Badger Fund of Funds

Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capital Square on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel

Free, In Person

Host Organization Badger Fund of Funds
Category Social Good, Music
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social

Forward Fest 2025

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